When we think of the disciples, our minds often turn to the twelve people personally selected by Jesus during his short, impactful ministry on Earth. They were his devoted students, devoting their lives to following his teachings. But what exactly defines a disciple?
In the New Testament, the Greek term "mathetes" transcends the simple status of student. It refers to “disciples,” people who wholeheartedly embrace another person’s teachings and make them the guiding principles of their lives. In essence, a true disciple aspires to reflect the example and teachings of his master, striving to live according to them. Thus, being a disciple involves following Jesus, internalizing his teachings and embodying them authentically in our lives. This sums up the heart of discipleship.
As the twelve disciples walked alongside Jesus in the deepest sense, we too are called to be disciples and spread discipleship in our contemporary world, as Jesus called for in Matthew 28:18-19 : “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations…” Discipleship today does not always require large, life-changing assignments, such as moving to foreign countries for missionary work or taking on pastoral roles in churches. Although these are noble paths requiring great sacrifice, they are not the only paths ordained by the Lord.
In our modern culture, discipleship begins where we are, in our current circumstances. We need disciples in our everyday lives – within our communities, our schools, our marriages, our families, and even on digital platforms – who shape every interaction we encounter. Many of us fervently pursue our calling and purpose, often devoting years in pursuit of a meaningful mission on this Earth. Yet true discipleship begins with choosing to be disciples of Jesus today, in our current lives and contexts. As Matthew 22:14 says, “many are called, but few are chosen.” We are all called to be disciples, but only a select few choose to walk as modern disciples. We can make this choice, embrace the call and embark on the path of a modern disciple, free from our past.
A modern disciple is not defined by past hurts, mistakes, sins, or history. Jesus did not favor the rich, the popular, or the esteemed. Quite the contrary. He chose to walk with the sinners, the outcasts of society – including the afflicted, the blind, the lepers and, yes, even the sinners. He came to lift up those whom society had cast aside, bringing them from shame to a place of honor and partnering with them as his disciples. This transformative work continues in our modern world.
Let's explore the characteristics of the first twelve disciples and draw wisdom from their journey. Through this exploration, we will discover the essence of a true disciple of Christ, applying their lessons to understand what a disciple today truly embodies. Remember that while our world has evolved since Jesus' time, his timeless words calling those who are called to follow him remain as relevant today as they were then.
“Modern Discipleship: Accepting Sacrifice and Leaving It All Behind.”
"In Luke 14:26-27, Jesus sets a high standard for discipleship, asking his disciples to place him above all else, even their closest family members. The term "hate" here does not advocate true hatred, but emphasizes that a disciple's allegiance must be secondary to his devotion to the Lord. This means putting Christ at the forefront of his life, even before his well-being. loved.
Furthermore, Jesus emphasizes the need to “carry the cross” in order to be his disciple. This means completely abandoning your own desires and surrendering everything to the Lord. It involves renouncing selfish ambitions, preconceived ideas, and the urge to control circumstances in favor of God's divine plan. It’s about viewing everything else as secondary to God – including relationships, personal aspirations, and desires.
In New Testament times, the disciples left behind their familiar lives, their towns, their families, and their occupations, as Luke 5:11 illustrates. To be a modern disciple, one must similarly turn away from the distractions of the world, putting the Word of God first. This means resisting the lure of material possessions and worldly ties, even those as close as family. This means letting go of personal ideas, plans, and desires, placing them in the hands of the Lord, and trusting in His higher wisdom.
Mark 8:34-35 underscores this, stating that those who are willing to lose their lives for the sake of Jesus and the gospel will ultimately find true life. In essence, becoming a modern-day disciple involves dying to self and leaving everything behind in wholehearted surrender to the Lord."
Modern Discipleship: Unwavering Obedience Beyond Understanding
"In today's modern world, a disciple embodies unwavering obedience to the Lord, even when faced with situations that seem illogical. Just like Simon Peter in the Scriptures, a true disciple is distinguished by his will to obey, even when circumstances defy reason. The Bible records a time when Simon, an experienced fisherman, spent an entire night casting nets to no avail. As they washed their nets in defeat, Jesus was approached and commanded them to "go out to sea and cast your nets for fishing" (Luke 5:4). Simon's response demonstrates a key trait of discipleship: he obeyed Jesus' seemingly absurd command to say, "Yet at your word I will obey." Likewise, a modern disciple is committed to obeying the Lord, even in situations that seem disconcerting. Whether whether to leave a secure job, end a relationship or friendship, or embark on a journey whose path is unclear, the disciple's obedience remains unwavering. Modern disciples trust God's guidance even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges such as a broken marriage, financial difficulties, or spiritual estrangement from a loved one. They continue to trust in God’s word, convinced that through obedience, even when it seems counterintuitive, they can truly live as modern disciples.”
The deep love of a contemporary disciple above all else
In today's modern world, love is the primary expression of discipleship, especially in a world often marked by animosity. For a contemporary disciple, embracing love does not just mean showing affection to those who are easy to love. This involves extending love to those who appear to be unlovable, as even the Scriptures point out. Luke 6:32-35 underscores this point by stating that there is little virtue in loving those who love you, but that the true essence of modern discipleship is loving those who are difficult, even those who may seem not deserving our love because of their actions towards us. It’s about offering mercy and grace to those who have wronged us. Being a modern disciple involves transcending barriers of race, political affiliations, cultural differences, social norms, and economic disparities, demonstrating a love that knows no boundaries. Just as Jesus loved the excluded and even those who betrayed him, he calls us to love unconditionally. In a world marked by division, choosing love over hate truly exemplifies the spirit of the modern disciple.
Conclusion
In today's modern world, we are all called to become disciples of the Lord. A disciple, in essence, is one who willingly leaves his past behind, renounces his personal aspirations, and wholeheartedly follows in the footsteps of Jesus. It is a commitment to obey the Lord's counsel, even when it seems confusing. A disciple embraces love as the primary expression of his faith, extending compassion even to those seen as adversaries. Indeed, in contemporary times, love is the ultimate embodiment of true discipleship. We need look no further than the steadfast love exemplified by Jesus in his interactions with all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, sins, or lack of reciprocal affection. As modern disciples, we can draw inspiration from His boundless love and make it our guiding principle in our own faith journey.